Study examined the perceptions and coping behaviors of low-skilled sixth graders in physical education. Interview and field observation data indicated that students used several strategies to cope with repeated failure (avoiding the task, remaining silent, acting out, and trying to execute skills in the face of classmate criticism). (SM)

An experienced teacher discusses the complexities of the profession and presents ideas to help teachers avoid burnout and cope with uncertainty. He suggests they talk with other teachers about teaching, read teachers' published writings about teaching, and write about teaching. (SM)

The process of recognizing qualities of giftedness in a child evokes a range of responses in families, affecting the roles and relationships of an entire family system as the whole family constellation shifts to accommodate a child's giftedness, and each family member's reactions differ because of their own particular temperament, personality,…

This article describes common causes of burnout, the stages of burnout, and ways of preventing burnout. The article emphasizes the "paralyzed perfectionism" of highly able adults and children who initially were dedicated to reaching high-level goals and suggests keeping a daily Strategies Diary in which personal rewards and stresses are recorded…

Measures of family stress and social support were administered to 80 mothers with a child with mental retardation in 1 of 3 normative transition periods. There were no significant differences in family stress scores across the groups, but mothers of preschoolers utilized social support more than mothers of preadolescents and adolescents. (JDD)

Examines role transitions and role strain resulting from restructuring initiatives in four districts. The 20 principals interviewed had acquired coping skills. Cognitive restructuring and environmental factors moderated role strain effects, along with experience, tenure of position, staff trust, personal leadership style, and degree of autonomy…

The luxury of "slow change," so characteristic of schools over the years, may be giving way under the pressure of Britain's 1988 Education Reform Act. Primary headteachers have lived through two years of government-set agendas. Different groups' conflicting interests have created new priorities for headteachers and require new coping…

This article reviews the literature on the inadequacy and adequacy of parenting by persons with mental retardation and offers new foci for research. It examines issues in predicting parenting inadequacy based on parental knowledge and skill, health care and safety, decision making, interaction, and child outcomes in terms of cognitive delay and…

Uses findings of a national longitudinal study to examine the changing role of secondary principals in England and Wales. Explains the United Kingdom's education system, outlines the principal's role within the context of unprecedented educational change, and discusses strategies for coping with changes and balancing roles as educators and…

Makes linkage between violent incidents and more general school safety. Contends that, when school violence concerns are reframed to develop resiliency in youth to help them cope with stresses of violence, school psychologists will have much to offer. (Author/NB)

This article provides an overview of sociological perspectives and knowledge about social aspects of families coping with visual impairment. Special attention is given to the importance of the social structures and dynamics of families as social networks, the social construction of impairment experiences by families, family social support…

Identified several different patterns of adaptation over first 18 months of bereavement represented by levels of subjective stress and depression in 131 widowed men and women. Anticipatory grief, concurrent stressors, social support, and spiritual support correlated with single significant function which discriminated between different courses of…

Presents strategies to help teachers cope with personal tragedy. The workplace offers a valuable social network for sharing with colleagues, administrators, and students. Teachers may find the constant schoolday demands leave little time for worry. Specific coping strategies include asking for help, temporarily changing the curriculum, and…

Presents suggestions for helping stepfamilies cope with problems they may encounter: (1) helping the children move from loss to reconnection; (2) being patient with everyone in the new family; (3) cultivating communication and negotiation; and (4) sensitizing school personnel and society. (SM)

The article reviews elementary level books that help students deal with life's unpleasant moments. Stories focus on self-centeredness, making excuses, first day of school, bossiness, cultural differences, adjusting to seventh grade, completing assignments, and being different. Teaching tips for presenting the stories to the class are included. (SM)